Pressure responsive valve



Ap 1 E. c. FILSTRUP, JR 2,591,523

PRESSURE RESPONSIVE VALVE Filed Oct. 8, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 filllllllllllllllllllllllll I l I [ll 'mmamw fan 4x20 (Z f/zs TQUP, J2.

IN VEN TOR.

April 1, 1952 Filed 001;. 8,

E. C. FILSTRUP, JR

PRESSURE RESPONSIVE VALVE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

BY mvwm PRESSURE RESPONSIVE VALVE Filed Oct. 8, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. /40

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IN VEN TOR.

Patented Apr. 1, 1952 PRESSURE RESPONSIVE VALVE Edward C. Filstrup, Jr., St. Joseph, Mich., assignor to Armstrong Coalbreak Company, Benton Harbor, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application October 8, 1948, Serial No. 53,491

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in pressure responsive valves, and particularly to valves of this character for use in fluid systems having high operating pressures, that is, operating pressures in the order of 20,000 pounds per square inch or more.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a valve of this character which is inexpensive, small in size, light in weight, easy to manufacture and assemble, which does not require exceedingly close tolerance between parts, and which is effective for a long period of time as a seal forfluids at high pressures containing abrasive parts. A further object is to provide a pressure responsive valve wherein soft resilient sealing elements are interposed between a valve housing and a rigid valve element shiftable between a closed position engaging said sealing elements and an open position spaced from one sealing element, and wherein a protective member is shiftable to engage said last named sealing element when said valve element moves toward open position.

A further object is to provide a valve including a housing having a chamber and a passage communicating with an intermediate portion of said chamber, with a rigid valve element slidable in said chamber between positions respectively spanning and clear of said passage, annular seals mounted by said housing to encircle opposite ends of said element when in passage spanning position, and a follow-up member shiftable between a position encircled by one ring and an inoperative position when said valve element moves between open and closed position.

'A further object is to provide a device of this character for use in high pressure fluid systems, having a valve shiftable in a housing between open and closed positions relative to a lateral housing port in response either to a predetermined pressure condition or to the direction of flow in the system, wherein seals of a character subject to destruction or damage when subjected to system pressure are utilized to prevent pressure leakage" past the valve element in the closed position of the valve, and are so located and arranged as to be protected from damage when the valve is open.

.Other objects will be apparent from the fol lowing specification.

' In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view of one embodiment of the valve shown in open position.

Fig. 2 is an axial sectional view of the valve in its closed position.

Fig. 3 is an axial sectional view of a check valve embodying this invention utilizing an internal protective sleeve, and shown in its closed position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, illustrating the check valve in its open position.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional viewtaken on line 55 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an axial sectional view bf a check valve constituting another embodiment of the invention and utilizing a face sealing member, said valve being in its closed position.

Fig. 7 is an axial sectional view similar to Fig.6, illustrating the valve in its open position.

Fig. 8 is an axial sectional view of another embodiment of the invention utilizing an internal protective sleeve, illustrating the valve in its closedposition.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly Figs. 1 and 2 which illustrate the embodiment of the invention in a safety valve, the numeral I0 designates a valve body of cylindrical form having'an elongated bore l2 extending axially therein from one end thereof and communicating with a reduced diameter concentric bore [4 intermediate its ends whose opposite end in turn communicates with a larger bore It. A plate I! is secured to the lower end of the casing l0 by securing screws [8, and an annular seal I9 seals the joint between these parts. A transverse port or passage 20 communicates with the bore portion [6. Another passage 22 extends through the housing wall adjacent the inner end of the large bore I2. The outer end of the bore [2 is internally screw-threaded at 24, and an externally screw-threaded cylindrical member 26 is threaded in the bore end portion 24 and is adjustable lengthwise therein. The cylinder 25 has a concentric reduced diameter inner end portion 28 defining an annular cavity 30. A set screw 32 is screw-threaded in an opening formed axially in the member 26 and extending entirely therethrough, whereby the head 34 of the set screw projects for ready accessibility. Th outer end of the member 26 preferably terminates in a neck portion 36, and a set screw 38 is threaded ina lateral screw-threaded opening in said neck and adapted to bear against the set screw 32 to hold the same in selected adjustment in the member 26.

The reduced portion [4 of the bore is stepped at 40 to receive one or more O-rings or other annular sealing members 42 of the soft resilient material which is responsive and sensitive to and is deformable by fluid pressure to efiect a seal between interfltting parts. A plate 44 is secured against the inner end wall of the bore I2 by means of securing screws 46. This plate has an inwardly projecting neck 48 formed thereon, and a plurality of lateral ports 59 are formed in the neck 48. The neck is formed concentric with the plate and-the .bore H3, and the passage therethrough is axially aligned with and of the same diameter as the bore portion [4. Thus it will be apparent that the inner marginal portion of the plate 44 at its lower surface forms a shoulder cooperating with the stepped portion. 40 for-the purpose of confining the O-rings 42. againstaxial displacement.

A cup-shaped or cylindricalrmember;52 .isslid- I shoulder'fill'bearing against the outer face of the end wall 54. The shaft mounts a retainer 62 bearing'against'the inner surfaceof the end wall 54, whereby the shaft is locked-in fixed position tothe cylinder. Theshaft- 58 includes an elonfgated portion '64 within the cylinder which is "adapted to bear against the setscrew 32,as illustrated lnl igpl. The lower projecting end of the shaft :58 is'Of such length that-when the upward movement of the shiftable unit, including "theipiston- 52 and theshaft portion 64, is stopped Jbyf'the 'enga'gement'of the latter part with the set "screw"32, the-lower end-of said shaft will .extend only slightly into the sleeve'48 to-permit communication between the'sleeve ports50 below -"its"lowerend; as shown in Fig. 1.

:Asleeve'litis slidable within the reducedportioni4 ofthe bore and hasan enlarged flange "Gd-atone end slidable within the bore portion 16 an-dypressed against by a coil spring "i8 whose opposite end bearsagainst the plate H. The "sleeve 66 is of suchlength that when the flange "68 bears against the shoulder betweenthe bore portions l-4-and l6 as illustrated in Fig. 1, the *upper end of the sleeve will enter theplate 44 belowthe lateral openings 50. In the closed posi- -'tion of the parts as illustrated in Fig. 2, it will be observed that the end ofthe shaft-58bears against the end of the sleeve 66.

This valve is particularly suitable for use in a pressure system to prevent fluid pressures within 'that system from exceedinga predetermined maximum. The spring 56 is selected of a value toyield at a-certain blow-oil pressure, and this value or pressure yielding may be adjusted to a certain extent by controlling the compression of-the spring through the longitudinal positioning of the member 28 within the housing. Itwill be observed that when the spring urges the memher-s54, 58 to the closed position of the valve, anefiective seal is provided betweenithe inlet 20 and the outlet 22 by the sealing ring or rings 42. In this arrangement the pressure acts directly against the end of the shaft 58 and the springlli urges the sleeve 66 against the end. of the shaft 58. As the member 26 is adjusted lengthwiseiin the portion:24,.the extent to which the shiftable partsv may move intheiropen position. isideterminedby, thegsetting of the set screw .32. Thus:itzisipossible in-substantially an adjustments of the'member to cause; the upper limit of travel of the members 52, 54 and 58 to 4 remain constant by either projecting said screw inwardly or retracting it outwardly. This is accommodated in part by the annular groove 30 which receives the end of the cylinder wall 52 in the open position of the device when the member 26 is adjusted inwardly to substantially its full .extent. Thesetting of the parts is, fixed when made bymeansof thesetiscrew v38 which locks said screw 52 in selected position in'the member 26 and by set screw '12 in the casing I0 adapted to bear against the peripheral surface of the-member 26.

In this form of the device it is desirable that theoutlet port. 22' be small enough to maintain a constantpressurein the chamber to prevent vibratory operation of the valve when the valve is opened. vAtthexsame time, the port 22 must be largeenough to bleed off and avoid the action of, pressure against the cylinder 52, 54 which would tend to fully open the'valve due to the large area of the wall '54 comparedtetheareaof the end of the shaft 58. 'The large ratio between'ythe diameters of wall i 54 and *shait 58 desirable when pressure. is to be relieved suddenly with a substantial pressure drop ata time when aiprethe 'shaft 58 to the limit of itstravel'determined by the point at which theyflangefifl engagesthe shoulder between thebore portionslkand i6;of

thedevice. In this position as illustratedin Fig.1, the upper end of the sleeve will fit withinthe sealing ring .42 and project into the plate 44 for the purpose .ofprotectingtthe sealing members.

against the .direct: application .of the fluidtpressure .thereagainst. Thus in all operative positions of the device,.the sealing rings42 will be protected against the .directapplicationzof the. fluid under high pressure theretmand a long efifectiveslife of the valve will be assured.

Another embodiment of the invention in the nature of a check valve is illustrated in Figs. 3,4 and-5. This valve is formed'of'a'pair'of blocks and 82, together with an endplate .84, which partsare secured together by means of bolts extending longitudinally thereof. The block.82 terminates in a neck portion which fits within a stepped socket or recess '39 in the block 89, said recess being of a greater depth than the length of the neck 88. The end plate is similarly provided with'a neck 92 which fits .within one end of 'a bore 94 in the block "82. The inner end of this bore is'of re- *duced diameter at 96 and extends through'the remainder of the block 82 and the sleeve 88. An elongated bore 98 of the same size'as the bore portion 96 is formed in the block 80 in coaxial relation to and in communication with the socket 9i} and terminates spaced from the opposite end of said block. The plate 84 has a bore portion formed therein communieating with and of much smaller size than'the bore 94 of the block 82, and this bore I60 communicates with a mouth I02 which is internally screw-threaded for the connection of a conduit 5 therewith. The block 80 has a bore I04 therein substantially parallel to and alongside the bore portion 98 open at its outer end at a mouth I06 with which a conduit is adapted to be connected and terminating at its inner end in spaced relation to the parting plane between the :blocks 80 and 02. A transverse bore I08 places the bores 98 and I04 in communication at a point spaced slightly from the inner end of the 84 is sealed as by means of an O-ring II4.

An elongated sleeve I I6, whose outer diam eter is such as to have a snug sliding fit within the bore portions 98 and 95, is mounted within theblock 82 and has a shoulder I I intermediate its ends which fits snugly within the bore portion 94. A coil spring I20 encircles one end of the sleeve H8 bearing at one end against the end of the neck 92 of the plate 84,,and

'at'its opposite end against the flange II8 of the sleeve II6.

A solid cylindrical bar or member I22 fits slidably within the bore portion 98 and is urged in the direction of the sleeve II6 by the coil spring I24. The coil spring I24 is of greater strength than the coil spring I20 and, in the static pressure condition of the device, serves to urge the members H and I22 to the position illustrated in Fig. 3, wherein the cylinder I22 spans the transverse opening I00 into the bore 93, it being observed that the inner or right-hand end of the member I22 projects beyond the bore 90 and into the enlarged socket 90 for engagement with sealin means. such as the O-ring or rings I23.

The closed or static position of this valve is shown in Fig. 3 with an effective seal established within the valve between the mouths of ports I02 and I06. This same condition continues during pressure conditions at all times when the pressure within the line communicating with the port I06 exceeds the pressure Within the part of the line communicating with the port I02.

However, in any case in which the pressure in the line communicating with the port I02 exceeds the pressure in the line communicating with the port I06 to an extent sufiicient to overcome the spring I24, that pressure will serve to move the member I22 to the position illustrated in Fig. 4, where the member I22 is shifted inwardly to establish or permit communication between the port I02 and the transverse port I08 through the interior bore of the sleeve IIB. Observe that as the pressure is exerted by the fluid against the right-hand or inner end of the member I22, the spring I20 is permitted to come into play for the purpose of shifting the sleeve I I6 to the left with its flange I I8 bearing against the shoulder between the portions 90 and 94 of the bore. This movement is suflicient to permit the inner or left-hand end of the sleeve IIB to pass through the sealing rings I23, but is terminated short of the transverse port I08. Consequently, the sealing members I23 are effectively protected against the direct application of fluid under high pressure thereto. It will be apparent, therefore, that this valve provides a very simple device responsive to fluid pressure for opening the valve in the event the direction of flow of fluid in the system is such that the port I82 constitutes the inlet of the valve. When the direction of flow is reversed,

The joint between the blocks 80 and however, so that the port I06 becomes the' inlet, the pressure upon the right-hand end of the valve element I22 is relieved to a point permitting the spring I24 to shift the valve element to the closed position in Fig. 3.

In the event it is desired to adjust the valve to respond to a difierent fluid pressure, the valve may be constructed as shown in Fig. 4 wherein a plug I28 is threaded in a screw-threaded 'end portion of bore 98 and bears against the outer end of spring I24. A lock nut 121 may be employed to hold the plug in selected adjustment. A sealingring I28 may be used to provide a seal between the plug and the valve body.

Another embodiment of the invention in the form or nature of a check valveis illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7. In this form the valve has a body I30 preferably formed of a solid block of metal, which has a central or axial bore -I32-there'in communicating with a'port I34 of smaller crosssectional size than said bore. At a-point adja'- cent but spaced inwardly from one endof the bore I 32 is provided a circumferential enlargement I34 withwhich a lateral port I36 communicates. A plate I38 is securedto the end of the block I30 at which the bore I32 opens by means of suitable securing members I40. The plate I38 has a stepped inner projection, including a bore I42, which fits snugly within the end portion of the bore I32, and a reduced inner projection I44. 'A circumferential groove is formed in'the end of the body I30 to receive an annular seal, such as an O-ring I46, to seal the joints between the parts. A valve element I48 of substantially cup-shaped form fits snugly and slidably within the bore I32 and is pro vided with a circumferential groove intermediate its length at a portion which is always at the same side of the enlargement I34 of the bore. namely to the left as shown, which receives an annular sealing member I50, such as an O-ring. The end wall I52 of the valve I40 has a port or opening I54 formed substantially centrally therein. A cylindrical projection I is formed on the member I48 to project beyond the wall I52 toward the right, as illustrated in the drawing, the said cylindrical projection being of such size that it fits snugly and slidably around the central projection I44 upon the end plate I38. An annular groove is formed in the wall I52 with its outer wall preferably forming a continuation of the inner wall of the cylindrical projection I58, and an annular sealing member, such as an O-ring I58, -isseated in said groove and adapted to bear against the face of the projection I54 when the valve is in its closed. or sealed position illustrated in Fig. 6. 'A coil spring IE0 is provided in the device with one end thereof bearing against the wall I52 of the valve element. and its opposite end bearing against the shoulder in the device formed between the port I34 and the bore I32. The static pressure-position of the parts-is illustrated in Fig.6 in which it will be observed that the valve member I 48 is urged to a position in which a seal is effected between the wall I52 and the plate I44 by the O-ring I58. In this position of the parts the valve element completely spans the enlargement I34 of the bore, and the parts are closed effectively. The parts continue to remain in their closed position during such time as pressure conditions exist within the device whichentail the flow of liquid in a direction from the port I34 to the port I36. Observe in this connection that the O-ring I50 7 serves to prevent any leakage around the valve element. When the direction of flow of fluid inthe system is reversed so that the port i323 becomes .the ,inlet, a pressure leakage may occur past the cylindrical projection M6 into the space Hi2 between the end wall of the cylindrical projection I55 and the shoulder at the inner on of the plate part hi2. This pressure builds up to a valve suihcient to move the valve element 148 against the action of the spring ISL, and thereupon moves the valve element M8 to the Fig. '7 position, in which the end of the cylinder 55 has moved to open the enlargement 23 5' so that fluid may pass from the port I35 into the enlargement i3 5, past the inner end of the member M8, and thence be exhausted through the bore J54 for outlet at the port I 34.

It will be observed in this connection that when the valve moves toward its open position, the O-ring I58 is exposed to pressure in the system. However, it will he observed further than the initial differential pressure, serving to move the valve to the left toward open position, is only a small diiierential pressure even though the static pressure in the device may be ver high. This low diflerential pressure avoids damage to the O-ring or other seal I58 in the initial action. When the valve has become fully open, the flow of fluid through the device is through the bore I54 in the center of the end wall l52 of the valve element, thus limiting the pressure exerted at the O-ring i58 to any current pressure which does not damage the ring by extrusion or the like. Observe also in this connection that the O-ring being seated at an inner corner and at the greatest possible distance from the bore 54, is protected from the direct flow path of the fluid around the cylindrical extension IE5 to the bore I54.

Another embodiment of the invention for use as a check valve is illustrated in Fig. 8, wherein the valve has a body 258 provided with a longitudinal bore 202 extending for the major portion of its length terminating in spaced relation to one end of the block 290 and opening at the other end of said block at an enlarged diameter bore portion 2%. An end plate 296 is secured to the body 2% by securing means 283, and a seal is provided between said end plate and the body, which seal is here illustrated as an O-ring seated in a groove formed in the end of the body 200. A conduit H2 is connected with the plate 206 at a port 2M. A lateral port 2N3 is formed in the small diameter portion 2E2 of the bore spaced longitudinally from the large diameter :bore portion 2M. and a conduit H8 is connected with said port. It will be observed that a shoulder 220 is formed within the body at the junction of the small bore part 2B2 and the large .bore part 206. A circumferential groove is formed within the body 233 between the shoulder 220 and the port 21%, and an annular sealing member, such as an O-ring 222, is mounted in said groove. A second circumferential groove is formed in the body 29! between the port 215 and the closed end of the body 2539 and receives an annular sealing member, such as an O-ring 22 3. The two O-rings 222 and 226 are preferably located adjacent to the port 218. A valve element, which may be of cup-shaped form having a. cylindrical wall 229 and an end wall 228, is mounted within the small bore portion 202 for free sliding movement and is normally urged in the direction of the end plate 266 by a coil spring 23& bearing at one end against said valve ass -sac element and bearing at its opposite end against the end wall. 2&1 of the body 200. The axial length of the valve element, that is, the length of its longitudinal wall 225, is greater than the spacing between the sealing members 222 and 22%, so that in the closed position of the valve, said valve element may span and be encircled by said sealing elements 222 and 224, as illustrated.

A follower sleeve 232, whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the bore portion 292, fits slidably within said bore portion 282 at its inner or leading end portion. At an intermediate part thereof the sleeve 232 has an enlarged laterally projecting flange 234 of a size to have a free sliding fit within the enlarged bore portion 285. A coil spring 236 bears against the flange 23% at one end and against the end plate 288 at its opposite end to normally urge the sleeve 232 against the end wall 228 of the valve element. It will be under.- stood that the spring 235 is of less strength than the spring 235.

The static pressure position of the parts is illustrated in Fig. 8 in which it will be observed that the spring 23!} overcomes the spring 235 and urges the parts to the position shown with the valve element 228 spanning the lateral port 256 with its opposite end portions fitting within and encircled by the seals 222 and 224. The parts remain in this position, also under pressure conditions Where the direction of flow in the fluid system is such that line 2H3 constitutes the supply line, and line 212 constitutes the outlet line.

When the direction of flow of fluid in the system is reversed so that the line 212 becomes the inlet, it will be apparent that the application of fluid pressure against the end wal1 228 of the valve element, when sufiicient to overcome the pressure of the spring 239, will shift said valve element to at least partly open the lateral port 215. The fluid pressure will maintain the valve in this open position-as long as this direction of flow continues. The movement of the valve element to open position disengages the valve element with the seal 222. As this opening movement of the valve element occurs, the spring 23% comes into play, however, and urges the sleeve 232 in a direction to follow the valve to the limit permitted by engagement of the sleeve flange 23s with the shoulder 220. The sleeve is of such length that the portion projecting inwardly from the flange 235 is of a length greater than the spacing between the seal 222 and the shoulder 226 so that said sleeve enters said seal and thereby serves to protect said seal.

Observe in this construction that there is no possibility of the development of a pressure condition between the valve element and the closed end Zfii of the housing 29B because of the seal 2124. Thus the pressure of the spring 238 is free to act upon the valve element at all times and, in a case where the direction of flow in the system reverses so that the line 218 becomes the inlet line, the spring 239 is free to act to urge the valve element to the sealing position shown. While various embodiments of the invention which I prefer have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that changes in the construction of the valve may be made within the scope of the appended claim Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

A safety valve adapted for connection with a fluid system under high pressure, comprising a body having an elongated pasage therein open at an inlet port and an outlet port spaced lengthwise thereof, a plunger shiftable in said passage and having a sealing position and an open position, a circumferential seal carried by said body between said ports and engageable with said plunger in its closed position, a spring pressed sleeve shiftable in said passage toward said plunger to a seal engaging and protecting position when said plunger is in open position, and a spring maintaining said plunger in closed position during normal operating conditions in said system and yieldable upon application of system pressures exceeding a predetermined value, said passage having a portion of reduced cross-sectional size between and spaced from said ports, and an apertured sleeve communicating with said reduced passage portion, said plunger being shiftable to a position opening said sleeve apertures in its open position.

EDWARD C. FILS'IRUP, J11.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 5 file of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Hawthorn May 8, Webb Feb. 8, Pollock Sept. 13, Mills Feb. 11, Mathieu July 19, Greenhouse Jan. 1'7, Hamilton Jan. 12, Mulloy July 19, Ernst Aug. 5, Rotter Aug. 4, Smith Oct. 17, Bourland Mar. 20, 

